Problems · by component

2011 Kia Forte air bags problems

36 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Forte cite air bags, 22% of all 162 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
36
22% of all complaints
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
28
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“No incident yet, but I see other Kia's that have been recalled for powertrain system and air bag issues. The power train issue comes up when I get my engine light checked and the airbag light is on. Also, a constant problem is the break switch, the push button car won't start sometimes and the steering wheel doesnt lock because immobilizer Is a problem and other Kia's have been recalled but not mine, instead they sent me a wheel car lock. I see online so many people complaining about the push button car not starting like mine which may be due to the immobilizer issue and theft. It is annoying to see other vehicle recalled but not mine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2023Power train, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11535370
“The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we’re now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2023Suspension, Air bags, EngineFire reportedODI 11508036
“The driver airbag light came on in June 2021 - I called Kia dealership and they said there was no recall. Last month the passenger airbag light came on. Both appear to not be working. I do not have extended warranty and my car is past warranty. I am wondering if any other Kia owners have a similar problem. I have never been in any major accidents and am an excellent driver. I am hoping there is a recall issued in the near future.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2021Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11440277
“I WAS IN MOTION, TURNING LEFT FROM 13TH STREET NORFOLK NE, INTO THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO MY DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR DOOR DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN, AND THE FRAME BETWEEN BOTH DOOR WAS DENTED IN.*DT”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2021Air bags, StructureCrash reportedODI 11404931
“TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL SC165. WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR REMOVING/READING THE AIRBAG SENSORS. THE ESTIMATE TO READ THE CODES IS $150 THAT CAN THEN GO TO COST OF REPAIRS. WHY WOULDN'T A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INCLUDE READING THE SENORS AND ENSURING THEY ARE WORKING PROPERLY?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2020Air bagsODI 11310219
“TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INVOLVED IN A NOT AT FAULT SIDE IMPACT CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I WAS INJURED AND AM CURRENTLY SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2019Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11229112

Showing 6 of 36 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Air bags: air bag

Free remedy

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Air bagsReported Jun 1, 2018NHTSA 18V363000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2011 Forte problem areas